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Today's Real Estate News and Advice
Updated: May 14, 2008
HUD Plans Risk-Based Premiums For FHA Borrowers
HUD says it will raise insurance premiums for FHA mortgage borrowers -- but only those most likely to face foreclosure. Columnist Peter G. Miller explains. FULL STORY->
New Homes: Homebuilders Doing What it Takes
How far will homebuilders go to get their homes sold in this challenging market? Columnist Dena Kouremetis tells us. FULL STORY->
Realty Viewpoint: Despite Steep Price Slide, One-third Of Metros Up
Dragged down by foreclosures and jumbo loan bottlenecks, single family home prices in the first quarter 2008 declined nearly eight percent, the greatest quarterly slide in decades. FULL STORY->
Regional Report: South
CNNMoney reported yesterday that home prices nationwide dropped 7.7 percent in the first quarter of 2008. That's the largest decline since 1982. FULL STORY->
Ferreting Out Home Defects
You have a right to a defect-free home. Here's how to look for trouble, report it and make sure the builder corrects the problem -- and what to do if the builder won't. FULL STORY->
HOA Health Survey
The health of a homeowner association is important to measure from time to time. Fortunately, even poor health is curable but identifying the problem precedes the cure. Here are a series of self-diagnosis questions to help you out. FULL STORY->
Ask Dr. Real Estate: Should I Resort to Niche Craft?
"Find a niche and fill it" is a variation of the "find a need and fill it" advice given aspiring entrepreneurs. It's a career strategy that makes sense for Realtors too, but before you strike off on an unknown path it would be good to map your strategy ahead of time. Here are a few recommendations. FULL STORY->
Interest Rate Update
Today's Interest Rates from Realty Times are based on a 30 year amortization rate, with good credit and no origination fees. Inflationary fears have rates on the rise. Wall Street is keeping a close eye on any hint of rising prices and that’s going to translate into higher rates. If you like today’s rates you might think about locking. FULL STORY->
Getting The Best Home Price Data
One federal home price data provider is changing to provide more relevant information, but you'll still need to check local sources to get the best data. FULL STORY->
Condo Trends: Gardening Up on the Roof
Urbanites have begun to see they don't necessarily have to leave the city to find room for gardening. Dwellers in small units are making a few changes to get a large crop (okay, not so large) to pop up during the growing season in the city on back porches, roof tops and outside windows, according to NationalPost.com, Canada's premier news and lifestyle website. FULL STORY->
Interest Rate Update
Today's Interest Rates from Realty Times are based on a 30 year amortization rate, with good credit and no origination fees. With no clear signal the Fed is going to cut rates we’re seeing mortgage rates climb again. FULL STORY->
Market Conditions: Seattle Puget Sound
Meisha Rouser reports the Seattle Puget Sound Market, while feeling the effects of hesitant buyers, still holds strong amongst the current perceived real estate market uncertainty. FULL STORY->
Why is California Seeing Such a Down Market?
tba FULL STORY->
Ontario's Greenbelt a World Leader, but Expansion is Controversial
A new report that compares Ontario's greenbelt to five other established greenbelts concludes it is "positioned to be the most successful and most useful greenbelt in the world." But farmers and developers want to put the brakes on expansion plans. FULL STORY->
The Lessons for 2008
Columnist Denise Lones gives some helpful tips on how you can make this year your best ever. FULL STORY->
Washington Report: Are "Jumbo" Loans Overpriced?
Capitol Hill's most influential legislator on housing issues says Wall Street and the mortgage lending industry are needlessly overpricing "jumbo" loans designed to help borrowers in areas with high home costs. FULL STORY->
Wild, Wild West: Silicon Valley Price Fall Spreads
Silicon Valley's high-end home sales that once buoyed the median home price for many months are shrinking as California's last bastion of rising prices buckles under relentless market pressure. FULL STORY->
Realty Viewpoint: Real-time Housing Index Says Falling Prices Easing
The Altos 10-City Composite Price Index shows an interesting trend. Housing prices are down a little over half a percent. That's no surprise, but out of 25 markets, only seven fell in asking price. FULL STORY->
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